House Seeks Security Reinforcement in Sokoto After Deadly Bandit Attacks

By Oluwakemi Kindness | Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police to immediately strengthen security operations in Kebbe and Tambuwal local government areas of Sokoto State, following renewed bandit attacks that have claimed several lives and displaced residents.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Abdusamad Dasuki, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary.

Dasuki told the House that a series of coordinated attacks between August 12 and 23, 2025, left dozens dead and many others abducted across multiple communities, including Okuwot, Sengi, and Ongushi wards.

He said the violence has forced villagers to flee their homes, abandon farmlands, and seek refuge in nearby towns.

He warned that the persistent insecurity has crippled local economies, deepened poverty, and disrupted schooling in the affected areas.

The lawmaker also linked the surge in attacks to cross-border criminal movements worsened by tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic, exposing border communities to infiltration by armed groups and illicit weapons.

While commending the efforts of the armed forces and local vigilantes, Dasuki stressed that the recurring assaults show that current responses remain inadequate and require a more coordinated, intelligence-driven strategy.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the military, police, and other security agencies to reinforce deployment and enhance joint operations in the affected areas.

It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to displaced residents.

Lawmakers further observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims and extended condolences to their families.

The motion was referred to the Committees on Defense, National Security and Intelligence, Police Affairs, NEMA, and Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, with a mandate to report back within two weeks.